Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.

Lay the slices of bread on a clean work surface and spread butter onto one side of each piece. Flip 4 of the buttered slices over and spread 2 tablespoons of the peanut butter onto each slice. Divide the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter, then arrange banana slices on top of the chocolate. Top each with a remaining slice of bread, buttered side facing out. Place 2 sandwiches at a time onto the grill or grill pan (if using a grill pan, top with a sandwich press or heavy plate) and cook for 3 minutes or just until chocolate has melted, turning so that you get nice grill mark on both sides. Repeat with 2 remaining sandwiches. (Alternate cooking method: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a saute pan; when hot and bubbly, add 2 sandwiches to pan. Cook for 2 minutes per side or until bread is golden brown and chocolate has melted. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.)

Slice sandwiches in half or in quarters and serve immediately.

Cook's Note: The sandwiches can be made with a variety of ingredients. For example, replace the chocolate with 1 tablespoon of honey or add cherry or plum jam instead of the bananas and chocolate. Almond butter can be substituted anywhere peanut butter or other nut butters are used.